An online library for the change makers of the world and for those interested in social change, activism, advocacy and justice.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
New Website – Feedback Welcome
You are now exploring our new, upgraded website which launched in April. We are looking for feedback and testers. We welcome all suggestions as we want the library to be as good as it can be. Let us know if you notice anything that isn’t working, have suggestions for improvements, or spot something we’ve missed.
Australian Progress Conference 2026
The Commons librarians and volunteers recently attended Progress 2026, connecting with presenters and gathering useful resources to share with the wider movement.
Were you at the conference? We’d love to see your notes, reflections, slides or photos — and share them with the community. Contact us.
New Collection on Workers Rights
The Workers Rights Hub contains a wide range of resources to support people engaged in organising, campaigning and narrative change for economic justice, labor rights and the future of work. This new collection has been developed in partnership with IRIS, the International Resource for Impact and Storytelling.
Become an Organisational Supporter
Does your organisation use The Commons? We welcome you to become an organisational supporter! Your support keeps the library thriving for all.
Find out more ways you can collaborate with the Commons and book a chat with the librarians.
EXPLORE TOPICS
BE INSPIRED
Inspiring Quotes
A collection of inspiring quotes from activists and changemakers to inspire hope, motivation and action…including quotes about hope, change, leadership, organising and nonviolence.
Lessons Learned
Lessons learned from movements and campaigns around the world. Explore what worked, what didn’t, and what organisers can take forward. The Commons can help you document your campaign.
The Passion of Activists
Watch inspiring activist and protest speeches by Harvey Milk, Greta Thunberg, Nelson Mandela, Malala Yousafzai, Emma Gonzalez and more. Let us know if you have one to share.
It’s Been Done Before
History reminds us that social change is possible — people have done it before.
Their experiences provide insights, strategies and tactics for those working for change today.
FEATURED RESOURCES
Discover the latest featured resources used by changemakers around the world.
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Progress 2026 Inspiration: Plenary Highlights
The Australian Progress 2026 Conference brought together organisers, activists and thinkers from across Australia. Read key ideas shared by inspiring speakers during the plenary sessions.
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Creative Resistance: Lessons from Minneapolis, Minnesota
The people of Minneapolis have organised powerful, creative, joyful resistance to ICE, pushing back against brutality and authoritarianism.
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منابع فارسی زبان برای معترضان در ایران | Persian-language Resources for Protesters in Iran
A collection of Farsi/Persian-language resources for protesters, organizers, activists, advocates and community leaders in Iran.
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Lessons for Campaigners from Zohran Mamdani’s Victory
Zohran Mamdani’s victory in the New York City Mayoral race has inspired left wing campaigners around the world. Explore these resources to find out more about the campaign and its lessons.
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Pillars of Support: Start Here
What are Pillars of Support? Here is a curated collection of resources collated by the Commons librarians including introductory resources, videos, templates, case studies and exercises.
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Tactics: Noncooperation
What is noncooperation? Here is a collection of resources curated by the Commons librarians about what noncooperation is, how to do noncooperation and examples from around the world.
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Protests: Start Here
A collection of resources to explore protests – why protest, do protests work, how to stay safe, how to organise a protest, etc.